Fans are growing frustrated with Islam Makhachev’s inactivity, with him still not scheduled to defend his title.
The Russian champion hasn’t fought since last November when he took on Jack Della Maddalena in his welterweight title fight.
After dominating Della Maddalena and coming out of the fight completely unscathed, the welterweight division was hopeful of a quick turnaround to keep the division moving.
Despite that, Islam Makhachev hasn’t fought since and his return is seemingly no closer to being officially announced.
Makhachev claims return could be in August as he reveals most likely challenger
Throughout the time of his absence, Makhachev was heavily linked to fight Ilia Topuria at the UFC White House event in June, but Dana White claimed he was out due to an injury.
Makhachev then came out shortly after and stated that he was targeting a return in July, which would’ve been International Fight Week’s UFC 329.
White disputed that claim, saying that August would be more likely for Makhachev’s return, with Conor McGregor now scheduled to headline UFC 329.
And now, the 34-year-old has once again hinted that he could make his return in August, but he doesn’t seem totally convinced by that potential date.
“Right after here, I’m going to camp and I don’t know (when I’ll return),” Makhachev told TNT Sports while in attendance at the Champions League final on Saturday.
“August, August (maybe), I will be ready. There are a lot of contenders, but number one is Ian Machado Garry and we still have a couple more who want to take the belt off me, but I don’t give no one (a chance),” he continued.
Ian Machado Garry has been sat waiting for the call from the premier promotion for what seems like months now.
Over a month ago, the Irishman hinted that he had finally received the call to fight Makhachev, but following the champion’s recent comments, it seems as though nothing is currently close to being announced.
It seems unlikely that Makhachev will fight anyone else, and Carlos Prates has said that he believes the UFC are rewarding Machado Garry for accepting short-notice fights.